Motivepower, Inc

Senior Power Systems & Controls Engineer

Motivepower, Inc$120K — $171K *
Erie, PA 16509In-Person
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in power electronics or electrified transportation systems.
  • Expert knowledge of high-power inverter and converter design, including control systems.
  • Deep understanding of silicon and silicon carbide power semiconductor technologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop conceptual designs into production-ready solutions.
  • Experience analyzing complex electromechanical systems and their performance.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and similar modeling tools.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the technical strategy for power electronics and controls systems.
  • Lead the development of advanced inverter and battery-electric technologies.
  • Design and validate high-power inverter and converter architectures.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create cost-effective solutions.
  • Define system and subsystem requirements for power electronics components.
  • Perform system modeling, simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop validation.
  • Mentor engineering teams to ensure technical excellence and program responsiveness.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for a performance bonus.
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health and welfare benefits provided.
  • Retirement benefits included.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Who will you be working with?

The Senior Power Systems & Controls Engineer will work closely with engineering, product management, supply chain, manufacturing, and service organizations to develop and deploy advanced power electronics and controls technologies for locomotive and mining applications. This role partners with technical leaders and cross-functional teams to translate business and system requirements into innovative, production-ready solutions.

How will you make a difference?

In this role, you will help shape the strategic vision and technical roadmap for next-generation electric propulsion, auxiliary power systems, and battery-electric architectures. Your expertise in power electronics and advanced controls will drive innovation, improve product performance, and support the development of sustainable transportation solutions across Wabtec's locomotive and mining platforms.

What will your typical day look like?
  • Define and drive the technical strategy and future vision for power electronics and controls systems across locomotive and mining product platforms.
  • Lead the development of next-generation inverter, converter, and battery-electric powertrain technologies from concept through production implementation.
  • Design, develop, and validate high-power IGBT and silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and converter architectures, including liquid-cooled power electronics systems.
  • Partner with engineering, product management, sourcing, manufacturing, and field service teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that meet customer and business requirements.
  • Define system and subsystem requirements and provide technical leadership for critical power electronics components, controls, and embedded software interfaces.
  • Perform system modeling, simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation while supporting troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and field issue resolution.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to support future product innovation and commercialization.
  • Mentor and coach engineering teams while ensuring technical quality, timely execution, and responsiveness to customer and program requirements.


What do we want to know about you?
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in power electronics, controls, or electrified transportation systems.
  • Expert knowledge of high-power inverter and converter design, including closed-loop control systems, electric drive systems, and gate drive architectures.
  • Deep understanding of silicon and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor technologies, device control, switching behavior, system integration, and semiconductor physics.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate system-level requirements into conceptual designs, prototypes, and production-ready solutions.
  • Experience analyzing complex electromechanical systems, including harmonics, common mode effects, ground currents, transient performance, and parasitic parameters.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and experience developing plant models and simulation environments for OPAL-RT Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platforms; experience with PLECS, Simplorer, or similar tools is a plus.
  • Experience with battery-electric vehicle architectures, energy storage integration, and heavy-duty transportation applications, along with established industry relationships, is preferred.
  • Strong troubleshooting, communication, presentation, organizational, and technical documentation skills, with a proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.


What about the physical demands of the job?
  • Ability to work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to safely perform hands-on testing and evaluation of electrical and power electronics systems.
  • Ability to remain stationary and use a computer for extended periods.
  • Occasional travel to customer, supplier, and Wabtec facilities may be required.


You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

This role is also eligible for a performance bonus. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $[redacted]00 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

About Motivepower, Inc

MotivePower, Inc. is an American manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wabtec, and traces its history back to the MK Rail division of Morrison-Knudsen.
Learn more about Motivepower, Inc
Industry
Founded
1999

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